Who is Pooja Gowda..!!!
In her own words, Pooja Gowda, the South Indian girl who never cracked a book outside study guides and my trusty Bible! Yep, no novels, no fancy tales, nothing until I realised I had a wild truth to spill to the world. So, I picked up a pen, the same one my Madras school principal gifted me, and poured my bare heart onto these pages. No author’s shadow looms over my words ‘cause I’ve never read any.
My story’s raw, messy, and all mine! From Bangalore nights to naturist fights, I’ve bared it all in my first book, and maybe my last… for now. But don’t count me out! I might just sneak back with another memoir to rattle your world again. Dive into my naked truth and see where this bare ride takes you!
Quick Intro…!!!
Today’s guest on my blog is Pooja Gowda, author of “The Great Indian Naturist,” who broke the taboo to establish herself as a FREE and liberated person to be one of India’s greatest nudists. Exhibiting her courageous spirit, Pooja reformed the nudist outlook and stood tall in this movement, imbibing the society’s acceptance and guilt-free living. Indeed, Pooja is the torch bearer of the naturalist revolution in the Indian Subcontinent and strives to make India join nude-friendly destinations.
To explore the interview series, visit my blog’s “Meet The Authors” Section.
Let’s dive into an open talk to understand Pooja Gowda’s journey towards “Naturist Lifestyle”..!!
Lifestyle Uncover..!!!
Q: What inspired you to share your journey into naturism through your book, “The Great Indian Naturist”?
Pooja: Being a naturist, I know what goodness it does to me, in terms of self-confidence, body positivity, and overall happiness. I always wished to bring this concept to the knowledge of many and felt that writing a book might be the best idea. I wanted to share how shedding clothes helped me shed shame and find joy.
Q: Can you describe the initial challenges you faced when deciding to live openly as a naturist in a conservative culture?
Pooja: I became a naturist when I was young, unmarried, and had the right shape & size that anyone would appreciate. So I never had challenges initially. All I felt was the “feel good factor” of being naked and enjoyed it, but everything was kept as secret. After my wedding, I started living openly as a naturist, as my husband and maid did not have anything against my choice within the home. There are times I have been naked continuously for more than four days in a row.
Q: How has embracing nudism changed your perspective on body positivity and societal norms in India? What does success mean to you?
Pooja: After childbirth, my physique went for a toss, and shame factor chipped in. That’s when I realized the body positivity side of naturism. I understood that there are so many people struggling with body shaming, and I wanted to stand up for them. I would call myself successful when I bring more people out of body shaming through embracing a naturist lifestyle.
Q: In what ways has your lifestyle affected your personal relationships and social interactions?
Pooja: I keep my nudist lifestyle tucked away, balancing love and secrecy. It’s taught me to cherish those who accept me, bare or not, and let go of those who can’t. Being matured in this journey has definitely helped me to enhance my social interactions in a friendly manner, even while handling perverts and kinky stuff seekers.
Q: What, according to you, is body positivity and social nudity? Share with us your experiences of meeting like-minded people and their impact on your lifestyle espousal?
Pooja: Body positivity, to me, is loving your skin, your stretch marks, curves, quirks, and all, without society’s glossy filters. Social nudity is the ultimate celebration of that, baring it all in a safe, non-sexual space, free from judgment. It’s not about looking “perfect” but feeling whole. I have met countless like-minded people and stood naked in front of hundreds so far. These connections gave me the courage to embrace naturism fully, turning my doubts into pride. They’re my tribe, fuelling my mission to spread this joy in India.
Q: Being a naturist, can you throw us some light on differentiating nudism and sex? We often hear misconceptions and make our assumptions.
Pooja: The major misconceptions are that naturists are sexually deprived people, and they use naturism as a let-out, and that nudists are people who are open to sex. These are wrong. Nudism is not sex, but it’s freedom, pure and simple. Nudism, or naturism, is about living bare in a non-sexual way, embracing your body as natural, not naughty. Sex is intimate, private, driven by desire; nudism is social, open, about comfort in your skin, no lust required. Both of these are entirely different. I do enjoy sex a lot, but it has nothing to do with my naturist lifestyle.
Q: As a pioneer in this movement within India, what do you see as the biggest barriers to the broader acceptance of naturism in Indian society?
Pooja: One major hurdle for naturism in India is our lively political landscape, where parties often lock horns, each eager to outshine the other. If one side cheers for an idea, the other might spot flaws, not always for reason but for rivalry. This tug-of-war can make bold changes, like embracing non-sexual social nudity, tricky to navigate. Apart from that, the fear of society and shame, if found, plays a major barrier to broader acceptance.
Q: What advice would you give to others in India who are considering exploring naturism or embracing their true selves?
Pooja: Start small. Stand bare in front of your mirror, just you, and see yourself. Not through Instagram filters, but with kind eyes. Surround yourself with people who lift you, not tear you down. And if you’re brave, dip a toe into naturism. It’s like a hug from your skin.
Author Outlook..!!
Q: Did you face any challenges while drafting your recent book? Walk us through your research and analysis that you have undergone for the book.
Pooja: It was about my sexual intimacy. I never thought about it when I started writing. When I reached the point where I encountered physical intimacy, I couldn’t decide whether I should include it or not. Actually, I excluded it and moved on. But then I realised that it is an integral part of my daily life. I also figured out that many people feel naturists are sexually incapable people, and using naturism as an alternate channel for letting it out.
I wanted to give clarity on this opinion. But it was hard for me to put the scenes in writing. I wanted to talk about it, but it shouldn’t sound explicit. And my mentor advised me, “Pooja, your intimate scenes should feel like the smell of biryani for readers, not the taste of it. Let them visualize the scenes and you don’t get into fine details”. And that helped me to write those intimate experiences in a subtle way.
While I did not do much research to write the book as I was talking about my own story, I deep dived into various naturist leaders, associations, organisations, and initiatives to include those in my recommendations section.
Q: What message do you hope readers take away about naturism and personal freedom after reading your book?
Pooja: Naturism is a choice, and it is freely available. It doesn’t require another person’s consent to stay naked within four walls when alone. Then why not give it a try? Everyone will have a naturist in them, to some degree, and it is up to the individuals to decide whether to unleash it or not. And my book vouches for the benefits. It will help them feel happy, self-confident, and bold, and to appreciate themselves. And if they can find like-minded people in this journey, they will surely go a long way, like me.
Q: What was the most surprising reaction you received from friends, family, or the public upon publishing your story?
Pooja: I was mentally prepared for brickbats, especially from people who never had a clue of this lifestyle and from women readers. Surprisingly, I haven’t seen a frowning face on reviews and responses, but rather a lot of appreciation for writing it boldly and bravely. I am still waiting for some hater to ask me why I wrote this, as I have answers to all their questions. But I am glad about the positive response I have received so far.
Q: What role do you believe literature and storytelling play in challenging societal taboos and fostering acceptance?
Pooja: Media like literature, storytelling, web series, and bold movies have brought in the concept of LGBTQ to the widened knowledge in India, which was a taboo a few decades back. Now we have a pride march and inclusivity for people who only accept that they have sex with the same gender. And the Indian judicial system has approved it. Likewise, if the voice of naturists is heard through these media, there might be an acceptance of the naturist lifestyle within a few decades.
Q: Looking ahead, what are your plans for advocacy, writing, or furthering the naturist movement in India?
Pooja: Naturism has got my heart, and I’m not done yet! India’s got a long way to go, but I’m dreaming of making naturism less “whispered concept” and more “celebrated freedom.” I will continue to advocate this through more nude meets and social media posts, and I will try to make my book reach to many people.
Q: Could you please share how the support and cooperation of your parents and partner contributed to your process of writing and publishing the book?
Pooja: No one ever knew that I was writing a book. So I did everything in secret. I had to learn a lot about editing, formatting, and using Amazon KDP tools to publish my book, and I did everything myself, including the cover design.
Q: Who are some of your favourite authors that you feel were influential in your work? What impact have they had on your writing?
Pooja: To be frank, I have never read a book in my life other than study books and the Bible. I feel that helped me to be authentic in my voice, without the influence of any other author.
Q: Would you share something about yourself that your readers don’t know?
Pooja: Cooking is my therapy. I love to try out new dishes, and I am known for lightning speed cooking.
Personal overlook..!!!
Q: What’s something you’re proud of about yourself? What is something you can teach other people?
Pooja: I am proud of the recognition I have received beyond borders in my journey, and I have fans and followers from more than 85 countries. With this recognition and experience, I wish to teach people to appreciate themselves, the way they are, and the way they look, without any additives.
Q: What is the go-to destination to spend your quality time living guilt & judgment-free? Pick the best of the two naturists whom you drew inspiration from and why?
Pooja: Without any doubt, Thailand is my go-to destination as they have a good number of naturist resorts and people are very friendly & non-judgmental. I would pick Mr Greg and the couple Nick & Lins as my inspiration due to the advocacy they do for the naturist lifestyle.
Q: Where is that one place you want to visit, and you haven’t been before?
Pooja: I have a fantasy of visiting Cap d’Agde in France, which is a naturist village. You can be nude throughout the town, in hotels, supermarkets, restaurants, beaches, streets, shops, and wherever you wish. This is a dream destination for me.
Q: If you were to create a slogan for your life, what would it be? What is the best thing you have done in your life?
Pooja: “Live young, live free” is a slogan I relate to. Introducing the naturist lifestyle to hundreds of people so far is the best thing I have accomplished in life.
Social Presence..!!
Q: Please share your social media handle(s) with us. How do you engage with your audience digitally, and how important is this interaction?
Pooja: These are my handles below, do show some love..!!
- Twitter: https://x.com/Ribsofman
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ribsofman/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pooja-gowda-844ba5282/
- Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/ribsofman/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089507066510
- Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/ribsofman.bsky.social
Links & Footnotes..!!!
Do visit my blog for a detailed review: “The Great Indian Naturist”
Additionally, you can also go through my Author-Interview Series -> Here
My Handle: Kiran_Kumar_Adharapuram
You can also explore my Non-Fiction Section -> Here
You can also explore my other works -> Here
